MS Dhoni doubtful for Delhi Capitals clash

MS Dhoni's fitness situation continues to be a cause for concern for Chennai Super Kings. The CSK talisman is nowhere near match fitness as of Tuesday (April 7), and there is no immediate clarity on when he will be in a position to take the field for the next game, against Delhi Capitals on April 11. CSK officials confirm that Dhoni has been undergoing rehab for a calf muscle strain, and at this stage, he may need at least one more week to be fit enough to play.

Over the next seven days, the Super Kings are scheduled to host a couple teams at the Chepauk - Delhi Capitals on April 11 and Kolkata Knight Riders on April 14. He is almost certain to miss the Delhi Capitals game, and the odds are stacked against him even to make the KKR match, even as CSK await their former captain to add his experience to a campaign that has nosedived in the first three games. The five-time champions are yet to open their account on the points table of the season.

Dhoni, 44, has decided not to travel with the side for their away games - be it to Guwahati on March 30 or to Bengaluru on April 5. In between, they played a home game against Punjab Kings, and Dhoni was not seen, leading to speculation over his conspicuous absence. Cricbuzz understands that Dhoni is currently in Chennai with his family, undergoing rehabilitation under the supervision of dedicated CSK support staff, including a physio and a masseur. He also had a batting session at the CSK nets a couple of days ago.

"MS is undergoing rehab and it will take some time. We can't say how much time," said Kasi Viswanathan, the CEO, who has also revealed that Dewald Brevis, who too has missed the start of the season due to a side strain, is improving. "We are hoping he will be available for the next game, but that will depend on how he progresses. We have a few days before the next game."

This is Super Kings' second-longest losing streak at the start of an IPL season - they had a worse beginning in the 2022 season, when they lost their first four games. Last year, when they finished at the bottom of the points table, they won their opening game but lost the next five, eventually ending with four wins from 14 matches.